Discover the next generation of Arab artists redefining the region’s sound through a fusion of contemporary genres and live Arabic instrumentation

Isadora is a pharaoh brought to life – here to make compassion exciting and altruism cool. Her connection to her Egyptian roots has touched the hearts of millions who can relate to her story through music.

Vincent J is the magical yet down to earth prince striving for vtopia. Through vulnerability and catharsis, he connects with the people that he’ll lead to vtopia with him.

Layal is an Egyptian artist based in London. Her music is a form of self-expression before anything else. Rooted in the sounds of Cairo and shaped by a wide range of global influences, her work resists easy categorisation, blending instruments and genres in a way that feels instinctive rather than strategic.

Awadh is a Yemeni-British rapper who lives by example. His persistence in his craft is driven by passion, joy, and a deep desire of mastery.

Rhea Kattan is a Lebanese singer, songwriter, and drummer. She’s the odd one out. She lives in a realistic world with the purpose to challenge the boundaries of what sets us apart as people.

The evening is presented by SWANA records and Marsm UK in collaboration with Grand Junction, as part of the Right Here, Right Now programme, supported by the DCMS and Arts Council England (Supporting Grassroots Music fund).

ARTISTS

Isadora

A pharaoh brought to life – here to make compassion exciting and altruism cool. Her connection to her Egyptian roots has touched the hearts of millions who can relate to her story through music.

Vincent J

Vincent J is the magical yet down to earth prince striving for vtopia. Through vulnerability and catharsis, he connects with the people that he’ll lead to vtopia with him.

Layal

An Egyptian artist based in London. Her music is a form of self-expression before anything else. Rooted in the sounds of Cairo and shaped by a wide range of global influences, her work resists easy categorisation, blending instruments and genres in a way that feels instinctive rather than strategic.

Awadh

A Yemeni-British rapper who lives by example. His persistence in his craft is driven by passion, joy, and a deep desire of mastery.

Rhea Kattan

A Lebanese singer, songwriter, and drummer. She’s the odd one out. She lives in a realistic world with the purpose to challenge the boundaries of what sets us apart as people.

********

SWANA Records

A record label dedicated to connecting the SWANA (Southwest Asia & NorthAfrica) region with the global music industry by championing the next generation of artists across the diaspora.

SWANA Records combines artist development, creative marketing, strategic partnerships and live performance opportunities to help SWANA artists build sustainable international careers while reshaping how Arabic music is experienced worldwide.

Marsm UK

Marsm is a London-based event producer amplifying the vibrant musical and arts culture of the Arabic-speaking world.

Since 2015, Marsm has established an expansive events network across the UK, Europe and beyond, uniting artists, venues, festivals and cultural organisations. From hosting some of the biggest names in the region to emboldening burgeoning underground music scenes, Marsm celebrates the diverse music cultures of the region.